President Donald Trump said the United States will oversee Venezuela during an interim period after the capture of Nicolás Maduro, citing security and stability concerns until a new government is established.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States will temporarily assume control over Venezuela following the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, declaring that Washington will remain in charge until a peaceful transition to a new government is completed.
Speaking at a news conference after U.S. strikes that led to Maduro’s capture, Trump said American forces are already on the ground and will stay in place during the transitional period.
“We’re there now, but we’re going to stay until such time as the proper transition can take place,” Trump said. “We’re going to run it essentially.”
Trump said a “group of people” will be announced at a later date to oversee the country during the interim period until a new Venezuelan government is formed. He did not provide a timeline for the transition or identify who would be involved in the temporary administration.
The president also said the U.S. military is prepared to conduct a second wave of attacks if necessary, though he indicated additional strikes are unlikely.
“We’re prepared to do a second wave, but it probably won’t have to happen,” Trump said, adding that all military options remain available.
“Very importantly, the embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect. The American armada remains poised in position, and the United States retains all military options until the United States’ demands have been fully met and fully satisfied,” he said.
Trump did not rule out deploying additional U.S. troops on the ground, emphasizing that American forces were already involved in the initial operation.
“We are not afraid of boots on the ground. We had boots on the ground last night. We are not afraid of it,” Trump said. “We’re going to run the country right. It’s going to make a lot of money. They stole our oil.”
The president said he had held numerous conversations with Maduro prior to the operation and recalled urging him to surrender. Trump said he believed Maduro had been close to doing so.
“I told him he had to surrender,” Trump said. “I thought he was close, and he probably wishes he did now.”
Asked how regime change in Venezuela aligns with his “America First” campaign theme, Trump said regional security is a core U.S. interest.
“We have to be surrounded by safe, secure countries,” he said. “That is America First.”
Trump also confirmed that Maduro and his wife are currently aboard a ship en route to the United States, where they will face trial.
“They’ll be tried in New York or Florida,” Trump said.
The announcement marks a major escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuela and raises significant questions about the country’s political future as international leaders monitor developments following Maduro’s removal from power.
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